The GNSI Symposia Series is a collection of online lectures open to members only, free of charge. Covering a wide array of topics relevant to the field of visual science communication, the presentations address the most cutting edge issues faced by science communicators and illustrators today. Join us every few months as we engage a guest speaker in conversation and analysis.

Past Events

Kickstarting Your Creative Projects: Advice on Crowdfunding

Sep. 24th 10am PST | 11am MST | 12pm CST | 1pm EST

In this session, we'll demystify the world of crowdfunding and walk you through what it takes to fund a project. In this 45-minute lecture, illustrator Estrella Vega will share her experience using Kickstarter to fund the publishing of a five-book illustrated series of life before the dinosaurs, The Paleozoic. She'll share her hard-earned knowledge of what makes a successful crowdfunding campaign, with special advice on how to research, prepare, and carry your project over the finish line. Members-only; Registration required.

Estrella Vega is a printmaker, illustrator, cartoonist, and graphic designer. She received a double Bachelor of Science in Motion Pictures and Fine Arts from the University of Miami in 2001, then later attended the Miami Ad School which led to her first job in advertising in New York City. While working as an art director, Estrella achieved her dream of going to art school by taking continuing education classes at the School of Visual Arts. She has been making her own books for 10 years, using a combination of self-publishing platforms and her own silk screening abilities. In 2016, thanks to a Kickstarter, she independently published The Paleozoic series, a series of 5 books illustrating life before the dinosaurs. She is currently continuing the series with The Mesozoic and recently published the first book for that era. Estrella has exhibited her work at MOCCA, BCGF, CAB, APE, CAKE, TCAF, GrandFestival, Locust Moon, Book Con, and Book Expo. Aside from her self-initiated artistic pursuits, Estrella makes a living as a graphic designer.

Image: the next book in Vega's series covering the Mesozoic: The Triassic © Estrella Vega

An Illustrator’s Guide to the World of Grants

Mar. 5th  10am PST | 11am MST | 12pm CST | 1PM EST

Grant writing may seem outside the realm of your typical independent illustrator. But with guidance from GNSI member Amanda DeGrace, it might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to jumpstart that creative project you’ve always wanted to tackle. DeGrace draws on her considerable experience securing grants to revitalize the downtown of her native New Bedford, MA, to offer us insight into where to look, how to present your mission, and consider partnerships that may ultimately land you your dream project. Members only; Registration required.

Amanda DeGrace is an urban planner based in Providence, RI and has served over 15 years in the non-profit and public sector. With a deep faith in community investment, she loves to make the case for long-term funding and sustainable partnerships. She has successfully fundraised for a range of campaigns in her native New Bedford, MA including arts programs, social services and the restoration of historic landmarks that were rescued to become housing and community venues. By night, she earned her M.S. in Urban Planning & Community Development from UMASS Boston. As a new member of GNSI, she attends classes at RISD CE toward a Certificate in Natural Science Illustration with an interest in infographics that will highlight grassroots-led initiatives.

LinkedIn: acdegrace
Twitter: @AmapolaOpera

Suggest a Topic or Speaker

We work hard to anticipate the topics and information our members will find most useful, but the most direct way for us to do so is to solicit your advice! So if you have an idea for a speaker or topic you’d like to see as a GNSI Symposium, please reach out and let us know. We’ll do our best to work it into the lineup.